Will Ospreay Explains Why He Signed With AEW

WIll Ospreay has revealed details behind his decision to sign with AEW.

At AEW Full Gear in Los Angeles on 18th November, Tony Schiavone introduced Will Ospreay as the highly anticipated big name signing promised by AEW President Tony Khan.

The Brit signed the contract in the ring, whilst also revealing that he would fulfil the remainder of his contract with NJPW. Ospreay’s deal with the Japanese company is set to expire in February 2024.

The signing of Ospreay, who is widely considered to be one of the best wrestlers in the world, is seen as somewhat of a coup for Khan with the former IWGP World Champion heavily linked with a switch to WWE in recent months.

During the AEW Full Gear Media Scrum following the event, Ospreay revealed his reasons for becoming All Elite, firstly highlighting family reasons behind the huge decision:

“The TNA thing, TNA was wonderful and incredible, but it was a case of, I wanted to hear everybody out. I wanted to do what was best for my family. I can’t tell you enough, my life has completely changed ever since that woman has walked into my life.

Responsibility has placed itself in front of me. I’m one of the most irresponsible people sometimes. Something has changed within me. I get it now. I understand the responsibility.”

Will Ospreay Highlights Talent In AEW As Reason For Signing

Ospreay would go on to state his belief in AEW and praised the talent in the company, singling out some previous inspirational words from Jon Moxley as a factor in his signing:

“I see AEW and I see the talent here and I see everything that made me fall in love with pro wrestling. I followed everything. The good, the bad, I followed everything, and I believe in this place.

There was a promo Moxley did ages ago, ‘It’s time to be a legend.’ At that point, I was like, ‘I want this. I want to go here,’ and while I’m here I’m going to give everything I’ve got to this place. Not just for myself, because I want to see if I’m that good, I want to give back.

I’ve had this mad anxiety coming to America, this huge anxiety coming over here, and I’m willing to face that now and I’m willing to try my best now. It’s an amazing journey I’ve been on and I’m so grateful. I’m looking forward to it.”

H/T: Fightful for the above transcription